Cameroon Pepper Soup

Name: Cameroon Pepper Soup
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 60 min
Total time: 75 min
Yield: 6 servings
Cuisine: Cameroonian
Ingredients: 1kg goat meat, cut into pieces; 2 scotch bonnet peppers; 1 large onion, chopped; 2 tbsp njangsa (Ricinodendron) seeds, ground; 1 tsp country onion (djanssang), ground; 1 tsp white pepper; 4 cloves garlic; 1 thumb ginger, sliced; 2 bouillon cubes; Salt to taste; 1.5L water; Fresh basil leaves

Pepper Soup (PEH-pah soop)

Spiced Aromatic Broth

⏱ Prep Time 1 hour

📈 Difficulty Medium

👥 Servings

🔥 Calories 298 kcal

A fiery, fragrant clear broth of goat meat or fish simmered with a unique Cameroonian spice blend that warms the body and clears the sinuses.

Nutrition & Info

Protein 26.0g

Carbs 8.0g

Fat 18.0g

Protein Carbs Fat

Dietary

dairy-free gluten-free nut-free

Equipment Needed

large pot mortar and pestle ladle

Presentation Guide

Vessel: deep clay bowl

Garnishes: fresh basil, sliced scotch bonnet

Accompaniments: boiled plantain, miondo

Ingredients

1kg goat meat, cut into pieces
2 scotch bonnet peppers
1 large onion, chopped
2 tbsp njangsa (Ricinodendron) seeds, ground
1 tsp country onion (djanssang), ground
1 tsp white pepper
4 cloves garlic
1 thumb ginger, sliced
2 bouillon cubes
Salt to taste
1.5L water
Fresh basil leaves

Instructions

1
Season goat meat with salt and place in a large pot with chopped onion, garlic, and ginger. Add water and bring to a boil.
2
Cook on medium heat for 40 minutes until meat is tender.
3
Grind njangsa seeds and country onion in a mortar. Add to the pot.
4
Add scotch bonnet peppers whole, white pepper, and bouillon cubes.
5
Simmer for 20 minutes, allowing spices to infuse.
6
Add fresh basil leaves in the last 2 minutes. Serve hot in deep bowls.

💡

Did You Know?

Cameroonians believe pepper soup can cure anything from a cold to a broken heart, and it is the first dish served to new mothers after childbirth.

Chef's Notes

Equipment Tips

large pot
mortar and pestle
ladle

Garnishing

fresh basil, sliced scotch bonnet

Accompaniments

boiled plantain, miondo

The Story Behind Cameroon Pepper Soup

Pepper soup is ubiquitous across Cameroon, with each region adding its own twist. The Cameroonian version is distinguished by the use of njangsa and djanssang seeds, which give it a unique aromatic depth not found in other West African versions.

🕐 Traditionally enjoyed dinner, cold weather, after celebrations 📜 Origins: Pre-colonial Central Africa

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